The group of West Linn residents who led the charge to recall the mayor and several councilors failed to meet the signature-gathering deadline, the city said Tuesday.

The petitioners in December began an effort to recall Mayor John Kovash and councilors Mike Jones, Jenni Tan and Jody Carson. The four petitioners, members of the group West Linn First, had until 5 p.m. Tuesday to gather 1,844 signatures from registered voters to trigger a recall election.

By 5 p.m., Kirsten Wyatt, the city's spokeswoman, said no signatures had been turned in and the doors to city hall were locked.

In February, the group released a nearly 15-mintue video, titled "A Winter of Discontent," where the councilors and the mayor are accused of ignoring public input in their decision making and giving undue authority to City Manager Chris Jordan.

The group has also criticized Kovash and Carson for breaking an election law four years ago. The Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division levied a $100 fine against the officials after they submitted a paid statement supporting a ballot measure without registering as a political action committee.

In an interview with the Oregonian, Carson defended the council's record, saying she and other officials do listen to residents' concerns. She also stood by the approval of the water project, though she sympathized with those affected by the construction.